Tina Chang, the chief executive officer of Brookfield-based SysLogic Inc., was recently named co-chair for the 2011 United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Campaign. Philanthropy and community outreach are important to her and are integrated into the guiding principles of her company.
“I recently gave $100 to Larry Haubner, and I have no idea who he is. That’s the beauty of philanthropy. It gives you the opportunity to act with generosity and kindness – for any or no reason at all.
“After stumbling upon a story about Larry, I made a contribution. For Larry, this meant that this 108-year-old man could stay in his assisted living center in Virginia a little longer; and I felt good to be a part of that. Larry is a man who has no family and he has lived so long that he ran out of money. Larry is still with us.
“During this time of year, as I look forward to the holidays, I enjoy thinking about where and why I give. Philanthropy is so important to SysLogic and to me that it is integrated into the company’s guiding principles. I want my co-workers to have the same opportunity to feel great about giving. It’s why SysLogic organizes employee-giving campaigns, why we volunteer in the community in many ways and why I’m excited to use precious personal time to chair community campaigns like the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).
“Many of our community’s large corporations and private donors do this and serve as great role models. I have learned from them. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” We should all be proud of Milwaukee’s philanthropic nature and culture of giving.
“In these tough economic times, I don’t find it hard to ask people to be a part of something good. As with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. I’m also learning that philanthropy feeds not only the individual’s soul, but it feeds a company’s soul as well.
“So the next time you’re asked, embrace it and consider saying yes. Because sometimes with philanthropy we cure a disease; sometimes we keep a theater open. But sometimes … we just help Larry.”
